Nevada CPA Exam & License Requirements

In the quest to become a Certified Public Accountant in Nevada, candidates must navigate through a set of stringent requirements that stand as a testament to the profession’s high standards. Emphasizing the importance of comprehensive knowledge and practical expertise. Like other Nevada candidates (like those posting on Reddit CPA threads), you probably have a lot of questions about the requirements. 

It’s true: Nevada mandates 150 credit hours for CPA exam eligibility and sets rigorous work experience criteria, including a unique focus on audit work. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the fact that CPAs generally earn significantly higher salaries compared to non-certified accountants, highlighting the value of the CPA designation in the financial industry.

I’ll dive into the specifics of Nevada’s CPA exam and licensure requirements, guiding aspiring CPAs through your journey to professional success in the Silver State. Let’s look at each requirement:

Nevada CPA License Requirements

To be eligible to sit for the CPA exam, students must first fulfill these qualifications and requirements. 

1. Minimum age: None
2. U.S. Residency NOT Required
3. State Residency NOT required

Thankfully, Nevada doesn’t have strict guidelines surrounding age or residency. In fact, many companies are encouraging young accountants to pursue their CPA designation as early as possible. This includes one of the youngest CPAs, Belicia Cespedes, who passed the CPA exam at 17. She explained her process this way:

“First, I thought of each exam as a “practice session.” I went into the testing center each time thinking about how I could learn and be better prepared for my next attempt. I was thinking “experience” rather than “expectation.” That way, when I received a 68 or 69, it was actually encouraging to know I was closer than I would have thought. I knew the specific topics the exam favored, so I knew how I could improve the next time to push myself over that 75 mark — the total reported score to pass each section of the CPA exam.”

Like all other candidates, Belicia had to meet the following education requirements:

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• 150-semester units from an accredited university
• Accounting courses — 30 semester hours above introductory level
• Financial Accounting – Intermediate I, II, III or advanced: 9 hours
• Cost Accounting: 3 hours
• Auditing: 3 hours
• Federal Income Tax: 3 hours
• Accounting Electives: 12 hours
• Business law: 3 hours
• General business: 24-semester units
• Please see Nevada Education Requirements for CPAs for more details

Work Experience

• 2 years public accounting, including 1,000 hours in the attest function (700 of the 1,000 must be in audit)
• IRS and Internal Audit experience may qualify

Ethics Exam

• Passing of the AICPA ethics exam
• Cost of the exam is $299 or $249 for AICPA members

Additional CPA Requirements

1. Pass all 4 sections of the CPA exam with a score of 75% or higher
2. Complete verified accounting work experience
3. Pass AICPA Ethics Exam
4. Complete a background check and electronic fingerprinting
5. Fill out and submit all required CPA license application paperwork
6. Pay the CPA license application fee

Nevada CPA Exam Fees

The cost to take all four sections of the CPA exam in Nevada is $1,379.20 ($344.80 per section) plus the initial $90 education evaluation application fee. The re-examination registration fee varies depending on the number of sections you are signing up for. A state application fee of $240 is also required.

**Important Note: You should not apply and pay for exam sections that will not be taken within six months because your Notice to Schedule (NTS) in Nevada expires 6 months after issuance.

CPA Exam Updates in Nevada

Recent changes to the CPA exam, as outlined in NASBA’s Transition Policy, have introduced significant updates that impact CPA candidates in Nevada. One of the key changes is the introduction of the Core-Plus-Discipline model, which allows candidates to choose their specialization in one of three disciplines: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). This model ensures that while all candidates possess a strong foundation in core accounting principles, they also have the opportunity to specialize in an area aligned with their career goals.

Additionally, the policy addresses how credits from the current exam sections will be transitioned to the new structure, ensuring a smooth changeover for candidates currently in the process of taking the exam.

The Evolution of the CPA initiative further details these changes, emphasizing the shift towards a more modernized and relevant exam. This includes an increased focus on technology and analytical skills, recognizing the growing importance of these areas in the accounting profession.

For Nevada candidates, this means the exam will now include more content related to digital acumen, data management, and technological adaptation, preparing them for the evolving demands of the accounting landscape. These updates aim to equip new CPAs with the diverse skill set needed in today’s digital and data-driven business world.

Nevada CPA Exam Information and Resources

• Nevada CPA License Requirements
• Nevada CPA Exam Application Forms
• NV Examination Application
• Nevada Society of CPAs

For more details, please contact:

Nevada State Board of Accountancy

1325 Airmotive Way, Suite 220
Reno, NV 89502

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 775-786-0231
Fax: 775-786-0234

What’s Next?

Now that you have started the CPA exam application process, your next step is to find the right CPA review course that best fits your budget, learning style, and schedule.

It can take several weeks for your application to be processed, so don’t waste that valuable time waiting to hear back from your state board.  If you start studying now, you will get a nice jump start on the material and will be better prepared to pass your first CPA exam!

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